Kayelekera Mine

Kayelekera Mine is an open-pit uranium mine located in northern Malawi, near Karonga in the Karonga district. It is owned and operated by Lotus Resources, an Australian-listed mining company, after changing hands from previous operator Paladin Energy. The mine was first developed in the mid-2000s and began commercial uranium production before being placed under care and maintenance in 2014 amid weak uranium prices. Lotus Resources subsequently acquired the asset and has worked towards restarting production as uranium prices recovered on the back of renewed global interest in nuclear power. The orebody is mined using conventional open-pit methods, with uranium oxide processed on site before export. Kayelekera represents one of Malawi's few large-scale mining operations and is significant to the country's efforts to diversify its predominantly agricultural economy. The mine's output is destined for international nuclear fuel markets, with logistics typically routed through regional ports such as the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia. Restart plans have involved partnerships and funding arrangements to refurbish infrastructure and resume operations. The project is closely watched as an indicator of uranium mining's revival in southern and central Africa.